Can I Remortgage my property to buy a Second Home?
If you increase the loan on your primary home, the mortgage lender will want you to be able to prove that you can afford the larger loan.
What Does Virtual Freehold Mean?
These long leases are sometimes referred to as ‘virtual freeholds’. The owner of such a lease might not own the freehold but he does have most of the rights associated with ownership of the freehold, such as the right to exclusive possession and quiet enjoyment.
The Government's Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Explained
With the new mortgage guarantee scheme, even if you only have 5% deposit, you may be able to obtain a mortgage on the remaining 95% of the purchase price
New Stamp Duty Extension Explained
Rishi Sunak has announced that he is to extend the existing Stamp Duty Holiday until the end of June 2021.
What is a Sinking Fund?
A sinking fund is basically a savings account managed, usually, by the building’s managing agent.
What is a Debt Management Plan (DMP) and How to Get One
A Debt Management Plan is a mechanism by which you can have a third party negotiate with the people to whom you owe money and set out a plan by which you will make a single, affordable monthly payment each month.
The Number of Mortgages Available is Now at a 12 Year High!
Moneyfacts, the independent mortgage market monitor of all things ‘mortgage’ has reported that overall mortgage availability rose in January 2021, to 3,215 products!
10 Reasons to Invest in UK Property
There are still many reasons why the UK property market could be considered one of the best investment opportunities in the world. Here are ten reasons why.
Questions to Ask During a Property Viewing
The more complete a picture you can build both before and after you make your offer, the better protected you are from the unknowns in the transaction. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Mortgage Broker
As with all professional services, the level of service will vary and therefore, it’s important that you ask some very specific questions when deciding which mortgage adviser to use.
How to Carry Out a Virtual Property Viewing
Whilst a physical, in-person viewing is going to be necessary at some point, a virtual viewing can be very useful in the early stages and can save you a lot of wasted time.
What is Peppercorn Rent? | Ground Rent and Maintenance Charges in the UK
Many properties are sold leasehold and subject to a ‘peppercorn rent’. This is effectively a notional rent that isn’t demanded or paid. It is purely a legal requirement of any contract.
How to Get a Mortgage with a Low Credit Score
If you feel you may have bad credit, you should obtain a copy of your credit report which will show all your credit, good and bad.
New Help to Buy Scheme Launched
First-time buyers that wish to buy a new-build home will be able to apply for an Equity Loan from the government for up to 20% of the home’s value.
Top Tips on Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
With energy prices likely to rise in the long term, it makes sense to consider how you can make your home more efficient.
What is a Second Charge Mortgage?
A second mortgage, as the name suggests, is a second loan that is also secured on a property.
What is a TA6 Property Information Form?
The TA6 Property Information Form is a form designed to aid the seller in giving important information on the property being sold, to the buyer.
What is a TA10 Fittings and Contents Form?
A TA10 form is one of several forms a seller must complete during the conveyancing process. The TA10 sets out, in detail, what is or is not included in the sale of the property.
What Happens to Mortgage with Negative Interest Rates?
Here we look at what might happen to mortgages if the Bank of England take the unprecedented step of reducing mortgage rates below zero!
What’s So Important About the Bank of England’s Base Rate?
There are largely two main factors that drive interest rates in the UK mortgage market. They are The Bank of England’s Base Rate and LIBOR.
Recent posts
More borrowers using equity release
1 Oct 2025
Almost one in five equity release mortgages are now taken out to provide financial support to family.
Buyers purchasing properties sooner
29 Sep 2025
According to industry data, the expected wait for those looking to buy a property has dropped from just over 11 months to less than six months.
It is common for your first mortgage payment to be higher than your subsequent monthly payments for two reasons.
What to do just before you get your keys
24 Sep 2025
Firstly, a big congratulations, you’ve now exchanged contracts! After weeks and months of waiting, you are about to move in. What should you do first?
The chancellor will deliver her second budget this autumn. Due to slow economic growth and high inflation, the government need to manage a £40 billion shortfall in public finances. There have already been reports about changes to taxes including income tax and capital gains tax.
Landlords could face a new tax this autumn
29 Aug 2025
The chancellor has advised that landlords could have another tax to pay this autumn as the Treasury decide whether to extend national insurance contributions to rental income.
According to a report in the Guardian, senior ministers have asked Treasury officials to look into a “proportional” property tax to see how it would work as an alternative to the existing stamp duty land tax on owner-occupied homes.
More than a quarter of UK adults in long-term relationships (26%) have reported that despite living together, they keep their finances separate from one another.
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